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August 02, 2021

The pros and cons of being a stay-at-home parent

According to the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (CCAAC), child care fees are typically the second highest cost to families next to housing.

Not only that, over 70 per cent of mothers are in the work force and yet there are only enough child care spaces for about 20 per cent of the families who need them.

Consider a single parent working at a job with minimum wage. The cost of child care far outweighs the income earned.

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July 25, 2021

Men and women do business differently

Men and women both have a passion for business. But how they do it is altogether different.

A new survey shows clear differences in the motivations and characteristics of men and women business owners, and how they got to where they are.

For instance the study, conducted by Pollara for BMO Bank of Montreal, finds that male business owners (65 per cent) are more likely than their female counterparts (56 per cent) to have acquired their role by starting their own business.

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July 16, 2021

Can money buy a winning baseball team?

Put me in coach, I'm ready to play, today.

Look at me, I can be, centre field.

Ever wonder if money can buy a winning team in Major League Baseball (MLB)?

Well, BMO's Moneyball All-Star Break Report examines the relationship between payroll and performance in Major League Baseball.

The annual report provides a financial analysis of MLB winners and losers at the unofficial halfway mark of the 2013 season.

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July 15, 2021

Women driven by emotions when planning for retirement: study

Although the share of men and women saving for retirement is roughly the same, the way they plan for retirement differs sharply.

When planning for life after work, women are more affected by emotions and less involved in decision-making, compared to their male counterparts, according to research from Lincoln Financial Group.

While hope and fear affect both genders when it comes to squirelling away money for the future, women are more vulnerable to such emotional influencers.

Seventy-three percent of say they're affected by fear, compared with 59% of male respondents. Hope plays an even more important role for 91% of women and 85% of men.

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July 11, 2021

Is it the end of the 40-hour workweek?

Is the 40-hour workweek still relevant in today's society?

In a report issued last month, the International Labour Organization (ILO) noted that reducing work hours can have a positive affect on employment levels during a severe economic downturn.

It also discusses the use of work-sharing to generate jobs and for the preservation of existing jobs.

I can relate to the latter.

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June 27, 2021

Couples singing the wedding blues

1038218_66480936The "Big Day" may be farther away than you think.

Financial priorities seem to be getting in the way of that special wedding day, according to a new survey by BMO Bank of Montreal.

The cost of walking down the aisle is estimated at $14,281 and upwards -- a hefty sum for couples just starting their married lives together.

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June 25, 2021

Diabetics face discrimination, suffer emotional distress

Diabetes suppliesA new study reports that 15 per cent of people living with diabetes have felt discriminated against due to their disease.

And one in four Canadians with diabetes experiences great emotional distress.

As a mother of two children with Type 1 diabetes (also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes) I have to admit it isn't an easy haul for them.

As a matter of fact, it is a tough world out there not only for people living with diabetes, but also for those who are living with other diseases and disabilities.

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June 19, 2021

Smoking ban at work might help employees butt out

Employees need to quit -- smoking that is.

According to a new Conference Board of Canada report, smoking bans on all company property should be part of a comprehensive non-smoking policy in Canadian workplaces.

The report revealed, as well as prohibiting smoking both indoors and outdoors on company property, that additional measures such as smoking cessation programs would also encourage employees to quit smoking.

Statistics Canada 2012 figures show that 20.3 per cent of Canadians still smoke despite warning labels on cigarette packages, hidden packages behind the counter in stores and even clever advertising by the Ontario Ministry of Health aimed at preventing people from smoking.

The Quit the Denial campaign claims social smoking is as ridiculous as social farting, social nibbling and social earwax picking.

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June 14, 2021

Do you really want a green ogre for a Dad?

Cineplex Inc. recently came out with a survey indicating that many Canadian Dads think their children would like to replace them with the grouchy, but lovable green ogre, Shrek.

I don't know about you, but Shrek really doesn't top my list of ideal Dads.

The survey also found that, given the chance to select one of Hollywood's leading men, almost one-third of daughters would pick Johnny Depp as the actor they would be most concerned about bringing home to meet dear ol' Dad.

I don't think I would have any concerns with Johnny Depp...but then again, I'm not a Dad.

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June 12, 2021

Your face could launch your career

Ugly people need not apply.

The online dating site www.beautifulpeople.com recently launched an employment listing service exclusively for its members.

And, according to its website, "an attractive face is always a good first impression for business".

First impressions are important. But looks aren't everything. Personality and skill must enter the equation at some point.

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Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...